Reflections of a Rookie E-Biker

As explored in a previous post, there are many valid reasons for buying and riding an electric bike. Besides the health and wellness benefits, the sheer enjoyment of e-biking is the reason many older cyclists switch. In this post, I want to share my personal experience as a rookie e-biker.

This post resulted from a discussion with my son in law who has also taken up e-biking. We shared some of our experience to date, causing me to reflect on my experience. I’ve now ridden close to 1100 kilometers to date. This is the halfway mark for my 2021 summer goal of riding at least 2200 kilometers.

If you have recently taken up e-biking, my experience may resonant with you. Or if you are still undecided, I hope it will help you take the plunge to become a rookie e-biker.

By the way, the goal of 2200 kilometers is the distance from Calgary to Vancouver return. I thought this would be a challenge this summer for this rookie e-biker.

E-biking Pluses

There are many health and wellness benefits associated with cycling generally and e-biking specifically. Since mid-March, I’ve ridden two to three times per week averaging 30 to 50 kilometers per ride. There is no doubt cycling has kept me fitter as COVID related gym closures have had a negative effect.

Another unexpected plus from my e-biking experience is the opportunity to explore parts of our city I haven’t visited in the past. Even as a long-time resident, I’m discovering new trails and seeing our city in a new way.

I’ve joined two local bike clubs which organize urban rides throughout our city on a weekly basis. Riding with them is a terrific way to experience the extensive Calgary bike pathway system. To date, I haven’t duplicated a ride and continue to see more of our city.

I recommend you search for organized cycling clubs or groups in your local area. They will expand your riding options, get you riding more often and encourage you to travel further distances than you ever expected.

Our e-bikes has also provided more opportunity for my partner and I to do things together. As I’m not a big fan of hiking, e-biking has opened new opportunities to experience an activity we both enjoy. This common experience will only increase once she retires later this summer.

But the single most important plus is the great mental lift cycling has provided. Over the last sixteen months, COVID-19 related restrictions reduced most opportunities to socialize or engage in many recreational activities. E-biking has helped maintain a positive mental health outlook. It also has provided an escape from the ongoing flood of COVID related media. While taking the pandemic seriously, it has been wonderful to not worry about it while enjoying the outdoors.

Surprises I’ve Experienced

There are two positive but unrelated surprises related to my e-biking experience.

The first is the unexpected rise in my self-confidence. I’ve surprised myself by taking on new cycling challenges I never expected. This includes riding longer distances and more often than anticipated. Having recently retired, e-biking has provided a fun and meaningful positive outlet. There hasn’t been time to sit around wondering what I will be doing with my time.

The bigger surprise is my ability to produce a quality, informative blog. I’ve learned so much about e-bikes, website development and writing online posts through my journey as a rookie e-biker. This experience has been both rewarding and enjoyable.

But even more important is the positive feedback I’ve received. Readers have shared positive comments about the content provided. They have also said the information provided helped in selecting a first e-bike or increased enjoyment of their e-bike.

Disappointments

While there are few disappointments related to my e-biking experience, two are worthy of mention.

The biggest one is the fact I should have taken up e-biking earlier. It has been so enjoyable that I can’t believe I’ve missed out on this fun. I look forward to the getting out and participating in rides much longer than I ever expected to be on.

The other disappointment is the division between traditional cyclists and e-bike enthusiasts. There still is the attitude that e-biking is somehow inferior to riding a regular bicycle. While slowly disappearing as more cyclists make the switch, it still is encountered.

Whether purely ego driven or based on a misunderstanding of the benefits e-bikes can offer, there remains an unnecessary rift between e-bikers and regular cyclists. It is unfortunate both forms of cycling are valid. I’ve ridden with individuals who struggle riding their regular bike but won’t consider the option of using an e-bike. Too bad – they are missing out on enjoying their cycling experience.

If you are also new to e-biking, it would be great to receive comments on your experience to date. You can share them in the comment section of the blog or add to them the E-bike for Fun Facebook page.